Oas Is Accused Of Slowing Democracy

July 11, 2000

LIMA — Peru

The Organization of American States has jeopardized democratic reforms in Peru by "slow-paced" diplomacy after President Alberto Fujimori's re-election, the government human rights monitor said Monday.

Ombudsman Jorge Santistevan said delays by the OAS in sending a top-level diplomatic mediator to press for reforms to the courts and media meant international pressure on Peru had weakened after a May 28 vote riddled with fraud allegations.

The delay endangered urgently needed democratic changes, including the reinstatement of three top constitutional judges fired by the government and the return of Peru to the hemisphere's top human rights court, Santistevan said.

Bolivia

Two peasants shot in ethnic clashes

LA PAZ -- Two peasants were shot and mutilated in ethnic clashes this weekend raising the death toll to 50 this year over a border dispute on the high Andean plateau, officials said.

The latest violent confrontation took place as 300 police and soldiers were being deployed to the conflict area 250 miles south of La Paz, Government Minister Guillermo Fortun said on Sunday.

Cuba

Three cities picked for Cuba celebration

HAVANA -- Three cities have been chosen to sponsor Cuba's annual July 26 celebration -- a sign that President Fidel Castro could deliver up to three major speeches to commemorate this year's anniversary of the launch of the Cuban Revolution.

The Communist Party of Cuba's Central Committee announced Monday that Havana, the central city of Santa Clara and the western tobacco growing community of Pinar del Rio had been chosen as sites for national July 26 observances.

Usually, one city is chosen for the celebration, which includes a major message from Castro. Last year, however, the southern coastal city of Cienfuegos and the northern coastal city of Matanzas shared the honor.

Canada

Airline negotiates contract with pilots

MONTREAL -- Air Canada, the nation's dominant airline, said Monday it expected to keep negotiating for several more days with its 2,200 pilots on a new contract, staving off disruption in service this week.

The talks on wages, benefits, pensions and working conditions, which resumed Friday after a two-day recess requested by the pilots, continued through the weekend at a downtown Montreal hotel.

"The talks are detailed and both sides are working earnestly to resolve the outstanding issues," said Calin Rovinescu, who is leading the bargaining for Montreal-based Air Canada.

Air Canada said the union, the Air Canada Pilots Association, had not given the carrier any notice of intent to strike. Under Canadian law, a union must give the employer 72 hours' notice before striking.